Mediterranean Diet Shows Superior Benefits for IBS: Study
A new randomized clinical trial from the United Kingdom, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2025), has shown that following a Mediterranean diet leads to greater improvement in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms compared to traditional dietary advice. The research, led by Megan Rossi and colleagues from King’s College London, suggests that the Mediterranean diet — which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and moderate fish intake — could be more effective in reducing gut discomfort and improving overall quality of life for people living with IBS.
The study compared the effects of the Mediterranean diet to standard dietary counseling typically given to IBS patients, which often focuses on reducing specific trigger foods. Over the study period, participants following the Mediterranean diet reported better symptom relief, fewer flare-ups, and greater satisfaction with their meals. Researchers noted that the diet’s high fiber, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory components may play a key role in promoting gut health and restoring balance in the intestinal microbiota. These findings challenge the traditional approach that standard dietary modification should be the first-line treatment for IBS and open new avenues for managing the condition through more holistic nutritional strategies.
Clinically, these results underscore the potential for the Mediterranean diet to be integrated into IBS management plans, offering a sustainable, nutrient-rich alternative to restrictive diets. Patients also found the Mediterranean approach easier to follow long term, suggesting better adherence and lifestyle compatibility. The researchers recommend that clinicians consider including Mediterranean dietary guidance in IBS care and call for further studies to understand the specific gut mechanisms behind these improvements. As awareness grows about the link between diet and gut health, this study adds strong evidence that dietary patterns emphasizing whole, plant-based foods can have meaningful benefits beyond general wellness — extending into digestive health and chronic symptom relief.
Keywords: Mediterranean diet, irritable bowel syndrome, gut health, dietary intervention, nutrition therapy, clinical trial, quality of life
Reference:
Rossi, M., Staudacher, H. M., Irving, P. M., Whelan, K., & colleagues. (2025). Mediterranean diet versus traditional dietary advice in irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. *Annals of Internal Medicine*, 178(10), 1257–1266. [https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-25-01519](https://doi.org/10.7326/ANNALS-25-01519)
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